Page 43 - MNLGA Free State Winter 2025

four educational stations, each
spotlighting advancements and best
practices in nursery production.

The Sprayer Drone and Moss
Robotics presentation, led by Dr.
David Clement (UMD Extension), Kirk
Floyd (KDrone Services), and Di Hu
and Shrijit Singh (Moss Robotics),
featured a live demonstration of
aerial drone chemical applications
along with an overview of ongoing
UMD drone research. Moss Robotics
also showcased automated tools
for inventory data collection and
analysis to streamline nursery
management.

Dr. Paula Shrewsbury and Dr. Laura
Nixon (UMD Extension) presented
research on cover crop planting,
discussing Raemelton’s extensive
use of cover crops and their role
in improving insect management
and soil health. Participants viewed
beneficial insect habitats and
learned how cover crops enhance
resilience within production systems.
Raemelton Farm owner Steve Black
shared insights into their organic
crop production methods. Attendees
toured the organic fields and gained
firsthand insight into the equipment,
practices, and innovations that
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PHOTOS PAGE 42 FROM TOP
Attendees check in with excitement—ready to kick
off the day’s events.
Waverly Farms owner Jerry Faulring and Raemelton
Farm owner Steve Black catch up before Field Day PHOTOS FAR RIGHT FROM TOP
officially begins. MNLGA President Leslie Cario and Raemelton Farm
Attendees begin the day with opening remarks and Steve Black welcomes attendees during the morning session.
updates from event partners.
MDA Deputy Secretary Steve Connelly briefed attendees on the
PHOTOS CENTER FROM TOP Department of Agriculture's latest updates.
Attendees reconnect and catch up before heading Kim Rice Plant Protection & Weed Management Program Manager
to their assigned morning stations.
Dr. Darren Jarboe, Assistant Director and Program Leader for UME’s
Members of Moss Robotics explain how their Agriculture and Food Systems Program.
technology is being applied at Raemelton Farm.
Kamron Newberry, AmericanHort’s Advocacy Project Coordinator.
UME’s Dr. Dave Clement and KDrone’s Kirk Floyd
lead their joint presentation alongside Moss
Robotics at their station.

Membership Matters • WINTER 2025 43